Hasnat, Sarjis file writ seeking restriction on AL’s political activities

Two student leaders from the anti-discrimination movement, Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah, have filed a writ petition in the High Court, urging a ban on the political activities of the ousted Awami League (AL).

Their lawyer, Ahsanul Karim, confirmed the filing on Monday and said the petition would be heard by the High Court bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi, on Tuesday.

The petition challenges the legality of the last three elections under the AL regime, seeking to have them declared invalid and for the withdrawal of any benefits linked to those elections. 

Besides, it calls for the suspension of all political activities by the Awami League until the court delivers a final verdict on the matter.

A similar attempt to ban the party was previously dismissed by a High Court bench led by Justice AKM Asaduzzaman on 1 September.

The government banned Chhatra League, AL’s student wing, on 23 October.

Earlier, on 5 August, the Awami League government was toppled by a student-led mass movement.

An interim government led by Dr Yunus assumed office three days later, vowing reforms and promising a free and fair election.

Meanwhile, a senior AL leader recently announced that the party plans to resume political activities and protest against the interim government within the next two to four weeks.